Brain magnetic resonance imaging findings in hyperammonemic hepatic encephalopathy: A case series and literature review

Bakharji,Ahmed; Alarfaj,Hussain; Omar,Sameeh; Alzahrani,Sultan; Alzahrani,Naif; Alahmari,Fawziya; Mulhim,Sirin Al; Almuhaish,Husam; Bashir,Shahid; Al‑Harbi,Talal M.

doi:10.3892/br.2025.1976

June-2025 Volume 22 Issue 6

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June-2025 Volume 22 Issue 6

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Article

Brain magnetic resonance imaging findings in hyperammonemic hepatic encephalopathy: A case series and literature review

Authors:
- Ahmed Bakharji
- Hussain Alarfaj
- Sameeh Omar
- Sultan Alzahrani
- Naif Alzahrani
- Fawziya Alahmari
- Sirin Al Mulhim
- Husam Almuhaish
- Shahid Bashir
- Talal M. Al‑Harbi
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Affiliations: Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital‑Dammam, Dammam 32253‑3202, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Neuroradiology Section, Medical Imaging Service Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital‑Dammam, Dammam 32253‑3202, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Article Number: 98
|
Published online on: April 11, 2025

https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2025.1976
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Abstract

Hyperammonemic encephalopathy is a life‑threatening condition that can lead to coma and death due to brain edema and intracranial hypertension. The current study presents the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of 5 cases of acute hyperammonemic hepatic encephalopathy. MRI images of all 5 patients showed diffuse cortical swelling affecting the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes, as well as the insular cortex and cingulate gyri. However, the underlying white matter, peri‑rolandic area, and posterior occipital lobe remained unaffected. These specific brain MRI features are more commonly observed in cases with 165 µmol/l or higher ammonia levels, suggesting a potential correlation. Further studies are needed to confirm this association.

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Journals

International Journal of Molecular Medicine

International Journal of Oncology

Molecular Medicine Reports

Oncology Reports

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine

Oncology Letters

Biomedical Reports

Molecular and Clinical Oncology

World Academy of Sciences Journal

International Journal of Functional Nutrition

International Journal of Epigenetics

Medicine International

Brain magnetic resonance imaging findings in hyperammonemic hepatic encephalopathy: A case series and literature review

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